MMP News

2040 – Community Conversation with King County Executive, Dow Constantine

by Anne Miller May 25, 2021 0

Meaningful Movies at First Church:  

April 25 virtual discussion on solutions to the climate crisis

with special guest speaker King County Executive Dow Constantine

On Sunday, April 25, Meaningful Movies at First Church hosted a community conversation to hear how King County is addressing the climate crisis, learn abut climate-related bills passed this spring in Washington State, and discuss the documentary 2040.  This Meaningful Movies conversation was the seventh such event planned by the Church and Society/Social Justice Committee of the First United Methodist Church of Seattle (First Church) and the fifth to be held via Zoom. 

At the April 25 virtual event, guest speaker King County Executive Dow Constantine described the County’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by half by the end of this decade, preparing our region for climate change impacts, and supporting communities disproportionately impacted by climate change. 

Executive Constantine called the climate crisis the greatest threat humanity has ever faced, and said it requires an unprecedented response. He stressed that the County is listening to scientists, embracing innovation, developing partnerships, and leading by example. He noted that King County has led by collaborating with cities and other local governments to share best practices, exchange ideas, and strengthen land use and building codes. 

The Executive thinks the most effective accomplishments to date under his leadership to address the climate crisis include 

• expansion of the metropolitan transportation system;
• electrification of the bus system;
• his three-million tree initiative; and 
• preservation of farms and open spaces. 

Overall, the Executive said the most effective actions we can take are to educate the public and build support for good policies–including, most notably, fixing the state’s inequitable tax system. 

Attendees asked Executive Constantine about ways to educate the public about climate change, the footprint of the cruise industry, and how the County is addressing the impact of climate change on the homeless. The Executive’s answers to these and other questions can be heard here in the event recording. 

The second guest speaker, Jessica Zimmerle, Program and Outreach Director of Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power and Light, summarized two climate-related bills recently passed the Washington State house and senate. Those bills are the HEAL Act which would require state agencies to apply environmental justice principles and practices, and the Clean Cars 2030 bill which would end the sale of new gasoline-powered cars in Washington State and is the most ambitious gas car phase-out target in the U.S.  First Church is a member of Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power and Light. 

Listen to the King County Executive and Jessica Zimmerle in the recorded video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=h2AJfONT2a8

In the film 2040, concerned about his young daughter’s future, filmmaker Damon Gameau travels the world in search of existing solutions to the climate crisis. He meets with innovators and change makers in many fields, and shows us existing technology and other solutions to address climate change and work toward environmental justice. Solutions portrayed in the film include a decentralized solar grid, empowerment of women and girls, replacing car ownership with on-demand transportation, eating a plant-rich diet, marine regeneration, and increasing our awareness of our use of resources. 

If you haven’t seen the film, it can be watched on various streaming options for $3.99 (Link).

Check out the resources below for more information about the King County Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP), King County programs related to climate change, and what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. 

• 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan  
• Leading with equity in the 2020 SCAP  
• Climate change initiatives and programs in King County
• King County Food Too Good to Waste: Tips on food purchases, prep, and storage
• Climate Change and Solid Waste and your stuff, climate change, and solid waste

Visit Earth Ministry to learn more about Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power and Light, and also read about its 2021 legislative priorities. 

Visit https://meaningfulmovies.org/ to explore more from Meaningful Moves Project.